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A thank you note, written by an Ojai Valley youngster, awaits inclusion in a thank you package put together by a volunteer group that held a thank-you dinner for responders Dec. 11.

Andra Belknap,Ojai Valley News reporter

Fire officials say that as of Dec. 14 at 7 a.m., 729 single-family residences have been destroyed and another 175 damaged in the Thomas Fire. That number is likely to change, said Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) Capt. Stan Ziegler. News also came Dec. 14 that a San Diego firefighter lost his life while working in the Fillmore area.

“Many of us are blessed to have more housing than we need,” said Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett. “If you're in that situation, now is the time for us to come together and say regardless of our differences, here in the Ojai Valley, we are one valley and we take care of each other.”

Bennett added that he was particularly concerned for low- and moderate-income earners who have been displaced by fire, and urged residents to contact his office and the Ventura County District Attorney with any suspicions of price gouging on rental units.